News: Republican Army Repulses M25 Attack

24th January 1989: the Hampshire Regiment supported by elements of the 3rd Republican Tank Regiment repulsed a heavy Royalist probe on their positions near Epping.

Royalist forces including the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Welch Fusiliers and Duke of Wellington’s Regiment launched a dawn attack on the Republican defence line in an attempt to follow up on their earlier successful attacks.

Fierce fighting around Barber's Wood and Theydon Mount saw heavy casualties on both sides, the Royalist attack being finally beaten off with the timely assistance of Republican Air Force Harriers operating out of Stapleford Aerodrome, despite it being targeted by Royalist artillery.

News: Republican Army Digs In Along M25

21st January 1989: The Republican Army swiftly moved reinforcements from west of London to the M25 Defence Line in a last ditch attempt to stem the Royalist advance. Units from the Gloucestershire Regiment along with the Light Infantry took up defensive positions on the line alongside Militia Units and ad hoc Composite army units comprising of troops who had fled the Royalist advance. To the north the Royalist Army continued to sweep up any remaining pockets of Republican resistance before consolidating  in preparation for the final stages of Operation Teal to capture London.

News: American Volunteer Group Authorised

20th January 1989: In his inaugural address, George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, authorised the raising of an American Volunteer Group to serve in the United Kingdom if required. Both Bush and his predecessor Ronald Reagan were increasing concerned at the civil war in Britain and the potential threats of both French involvement in England and Soviet intervention in Northern Ireland. Whilst unwilling to have the United States become embroiled directly in a conflict that potentially could expand globally, the sanctioning of a volunteer force organised by the United States government was regarded as a proportionate response to the threat and risks posed.

News: Rebels Flee As Royalists Capture Chelmsford

 

19th January 1989: Republican troops fell back on the M25 defence line as Royalist troops captured Chelmsford and Billericay in 48 hours of fierce fighting. The Blues and Royals led sweeping advances into rebel held territory as Republican Territorial Army and Trade Union Militia units were swept aside.

News: Haughey Concerned At Ulster Violence

18th January 1989: RTE News reports on escalating violence in Northern Ireland with bitter fighting between Royalists, Republicans and Nationalists occurring in Londonderry. Taoiseach Charles Haughey expressed his concerns in the Dáil that the violence in both Ulster and England could spread into the Republic and stated that the Óglaigh na hÉireann, with the help of their Soviet advisors, would ensure that the nation was protected "whatever means necessary" to ensure this did not happen.

Painting: British AFV's

First off apologies for the lack of updates of late, no plan survives contact with the enemy, especially when that enemy is real life, however I hope to get back on track with 2ECW soon. In the meantime I thought that this post for painting British armour, off the excellent Cold War Hot Hot Hot blog, worth passing on if you missed it.